Originally established as Negro History Week in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African-American author and scholar, this event evolved into the establishment of February as "Black History Month" in 1976.

Since 1926, The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History has established the national theme for the month-long celebration. This year's theme is "From Slavery to Freedom: The Story of Africans in the Americas."